Friends Share Memories of Nancy Reagan

(FOX 11) - Over a cup of coffee and a sandwich, just down the road from where Nancy Reagan was to be laid to rest, friends and colleagues shared memories of the former first lady.

Long-time Washington reporter Sam Donaldson walked into Caffe Connections shortly before heading over to the funeral.

Donaldson covered both terms of Ronald Reagan’s presidency and grew to know the First Lady well.

"She was a great lady and i think it’s fair to say... that most of us like her, she had two things that were important to her. He husbands security, political and personal," Donaldson said.

Sheryl and Don Eberly both worked for the Reagan's. Sheryl was Nancy Reagan's assistant.

"I think of her as an exceptional public spouse because she was a very savvy advisor to her husband and really his best friend and supporter. She brought so much to her roll as First Lady," Sheryl said.

When asked how often they saw the presidential coupe kiss, Don Eberly, Reagan's aide said "often." "They were inseparable. They just had this magical connection," Don said.

"Today is a day of memories of Nancy Reagan and saying good bye to her," Donaldson said.